Upgraded Boeing F/A-18C Hornet simulators have entered service with the Swiss Air Force. The four tactical operational flight trainers (TOFT) were updated by L-3 Link Training & Simulation to maintain concurrency with Switzerland’s Hornet fleet. Located at Payerne Air Base, the networked simulators are equipped with L-3 Link’s SimuSphere 360-degree visual display system, which supports both the Joint Helmet Mounting Cueing System and night-vision goggles.

A mission operations center allows oversight of all aircraft in a training mission using an enhanced computer-based instructor operator station. A brief/debrief room enables aircrews to plan a simulated mission and review event data captured during the mission.

Boeing and L-3 Link, have delivered two Block 2 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet TOFTs to the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. They join existing devices — two at Oceana and two at NAS Lemore, Calif., that have been upgraded.

Six Block 2 TOFTs are being used for future trainer development, testing software and other upgrades at L-3 Link’s Arlington, Texas, plant before delivery to Lemore and Oceana. There is potential for a follow-on contract for four more trainers.

L-3 Link, meanwhile, has received a $20.9 million U.S. Air Force contract for a second Lockheed Martin F-16 mission training center. The center includes four networked simulators plus instructor stations and brief/debrief systems supplied by Boeing. The simulators will have SimuSphere HD World 360-degree visual systems.